Here’s a run-down of retirement stocks you should probably already own even before you make working at a job a thing of the past. Separately or collectively, they provide a nice balance of growth and income, as well as a comfortable balance of risk and reward. In most cases dividend — and dividend growth — is in the cards, yet not necessarily at the expense of capital appreciation as well. You’ll need that too, as inflation can and often does outpace marketwide dividend yields.
There’s no denying AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) has had its struggles. Wireless telecom as well as broadband have become commodities, and cable television is no longer just available through a literal cable. Yes, Bank of America Corp (NYSE:BAC) was the same bank that seemed to struggle the most to shake off the impact of the subprime mortgage meltdown. It’s cliche to be sure, but people aren’t going to stop eating, they’re not going to stop using water, and they’re not going to stop taking their prescription pills that are (in many cases) keeping them alive. That’s good news for Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK). Wal-Mart Stores Inc (NYSE:WMT) has finally figured out how to remain relevant on the modern consumer market. One of the best-of-breed choices among utility stocks is Southern Co (NYSE:SO), which serves nine million customers, mostly in the southern part of the United States.